The Slovak Republic, commonly known as Slovakia, is becoming an increasingly attractive destination for business ventures. If your company is considering expanding its operations into Slovakia, it will likely need to recruit foreign employees. To bring these workers to Slovakia legally, each employee will require a valid Slovakia work visa.
Navigating the Slovakian immigration and visa process can be challenging due to the availability of various visa types, language barriers, complex requirements, and other factors. Without adequate preparation, employers may encounter delays.
At Horizons, our team of expansion experts offers a comprehensive range of services related to Slovakia work visas, immigration support, and outsourcing. We equip your company with the necessary tools to successfully expand into Slovakia by leveraging top talent sourced globally.
Slovakia, being a member of the European Union (EU), exempts individuals from EU or European Economic Area (EEA) countries from the need for a visa to reside and work within its borders. However, non-EU/EEA nationals must obtain both a work visa and a work permit to work legally in Slovakia.
The specific requirements for Slovakian work permits and visas vary based on the type of document and the applicant’s circumstances. However, some fundamental requirements include:
There are various types of Slovakia work visas available, each suited to different employment situations:
Slovakia Single Permit: This visa is commonly issued to foreign nationals seeking employment in Slovakia. With the single permit, there’s no need for a separate work permit application. However, it requires confirmation of a job vacancy from the employer, submitted to the Labour Office at least 20 days before applying for the permit.
Work Permit: Issued in specific cases, the work permit is necessary depending on the nature of employment and individual circumstances. For instance, it may be required if you hold a temporary residence permit based on family reunification and intend to work within the first 12 months of entering Slovakia. Before applying for this permit, the employer must report the job vacancy to the Labor Office at least 10 days in advance.
Seasonal Employment: This temporary work permit is granted for employment lasting up to 180 days within a year. Different regulations apply to third-country nationals based on whether they require a Schengen Visa to enter Slovakia.
Applying for a Slovakian Work Visa To begin the process of obtaining a Slovakia work visa, follow these steps:
Select the correct visa type: Determine the specific type of work visa required for your situation. Consult with your employer in Slovakia and contact the embassy or consulate for guidance on the appropriate visa category.
Prepare your documents: Gather all necessary documents for your work visa application, ensuring compliance with the requirements for your chosen visa type. Document requirements may vary depending on the visa category.
Pay the visa fee: Prior to submitting your application, ensure payment of the applicable visa fee. Additionally, be prepared to cover any administrative fees required during the application process.
Submit your application: On the scheduled day of your visa interview, submit your completed application to the relevant office in your home country. Alternatively, if you are already in Slovakia with a residence permit or from a country with a visa facilitation agreement, you may apply at a Foreign Police Department in Slovakia.
Slovakia Work Visa Processing Time The processing time for your Slovakia work visa application typically ranges from three to six months or longer, depending on the workload of the embassy or consulate. Once a decision is reached on your application, the embassy or consulate will inform you accordingly.
Please note that proof of health insurance is a mandatory requirement for all visa applications. Additionally, additional documents may be requested by the embassy or the Labor Office as deemed necessary.
After You Enter Slovakia Upon receiving a positive decision on your work visa application and entering Slovakia, follow these steps:
Apply for a temporary residence permit based on employment at a Foreign Police Department office.
Register your residence in Slovakia promptly after your arrival.
Enroll in either national health insurance or obtain private insurance within 30 days of entry into the country, and provide proof of health insurance as required.